If you are planning to move into a new part of the world or just have a vacation, you would surely consider first the place where you will be staying. With the known advancement in communication, there would be less of a need for you to physically check your rental place. With just a click of a button or a reply to an advertisement, you may simply have your own place to stay. However, one should not be too sure about advertised rentals, for scammers also use such method to lure innocent victims and extort money from them. Before considering rental concerns like size, cost and location, you should keep watch first for scammers prowling around like a roaring lion. Here are some collated ideas on how not to be scammed by some con-artist within the real estate industry.
How It Works
Like you, con-artist or rental scammers are also into vacation rental websites and bulletin boards. However, unlike you they are there in order to "hijack a real rental or real estate listing by changing the email address or other contact information, and placing the modified ad on another site." Other scammers would even make up a listing of a rental house that does exist or not even for rent. They are doing this with a promise of low rent and many great amenities available. And just right before you check the place out after you've paid, they have already walked away with your money.
Signs of a Scam
Though these signs are not at all time true, but most reported cases are done through these methods. And one of which is wiring the money before the deal has been done. This is a sure and fastest way of getting your money despite the presence of a rental contract. Things as such can easily be faked, so better scrutinize things before diving in. In addition to the said sign, most scammers would even want an advance payment even if you haven't signed a lease, that's one sure clue for a scam.
What to Do
Obviously you should not give any amount to a person without even meeting him or her and without even seeing the said place. If third party individuals would be involved in the transaction, such as lawyers or agents, make sure to validate their existence, especially if they would want you to give the money to those people. And lastly, never pay without signing a lease and most importantly do transactions only with reliable individuals or reputable agencies.
There are many ways and means that a rental scammer might con you for some money, so be very vigilant. And if by chance you have experienced such horrible act, what were the steps you have made after knowing about the incident. Feel free to share and comment below.